Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) — Pathophysiology and Diagnosis

Kidneys are central metabolic organs in our body. They regulate our water and electrolyte balance amongst other things, and are responsible for the removal of potentially toxic substances and medications. Shockingly, many of today’s widespread diseases can lead to damaged kidneys and an impairment of their function. Chronic renal failure is a systemic disease with massive effects on the whole organism. It is not always easy to understand all of the various facets of the disease. This article should make the mechanisms and processes easier to understand, and will explain them in more detail.